North Kigezi Diocese News
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has called upon clergy and Christians to practice what he described as the “true religion” by caring for the vulnerable, visiting widows and orphans, and comforting those in grief.
Bishop Asiimwe made the remarks while preaching during the installation service of Ven. Justus Otafire as the Archdeacon of Nyakisoroza Archdeaconry. The service was held at St. Paul’s Nyakisoroza Church of Uganda Parish, the Archdeaconry headquarters.
Preaching from James 1:27, Bishop Asiimwe urged Christians to embrace a faith that is demonstrated through actions of love and mercy toward those in need.
However, he cautioned – “What you do when no one is seeing, God sees it all. You need to get rid of the bad things you do in secret because God sees everything,” said Bishop Onesimus.
He emphasized that the Church must return to its original calling of serving humanity and remaining relevant within communities.
“The true religion is helping vulnerable people. Ven. Justus Otafire, this is the Gospel I call you to preach,” Bishop Asiimwe said. “Some clergy only want to visit people who prepare tea for them or give them envelopes, yet Christ calls us to look after the vulnerable just as He did during His earthly ministry.”
The Bishop further revealed that he personally strives to comfort families that have lost loved ones regardless of their social status. He also noted that he visits prisoners as part of his pastoral ministry.
“I recently visited Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye in Luzira Maximum Prison,” he said, while calling upon those handling Dr. Besigye’s case to work towards resolving it as he cited as being long overdue without justice.
Quoting James 2:14-17, Bishop Asiimwe also spoke about the importance of balancing faith with actions, saying that “faith without works is dead.” He emphasized that salvation comes through believing and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
“There is no other name on earth that can save apart from Jesus Christ,” he said, adding that other religious leaders including prophet Mohammed, Harry Krishina, Rev. Moon, Budha and Owobusobozi Bishaka died and never resurrected, unlike Jesus Christ.
peaking during the same function, Maama Florence Asiimwe encouraged Ven. Justus Otafire to fully utilize the gifts and abilities God has entrusted him with in ministry.
“Use the deposit God has placed in you and unpack it for the people God has entrusted to your care. Be confident because the Lord will be with you in the ministry He has called you into,” she said.
She also encouraged women to attend the upcoming diocesan annual women’s conference.
The Head of Laity, Dr. Rwandembo William Mugisha, thanked Bishop Asiimwe on behalf of the Christians for appointing hardworking clergy who love Christ and serve faithfully. He also commended the Bishop for his efforts in reviving historic church-founded schools such as Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School.
In his remarks, Ven. Justus Otafire thanked Bishop Asiimwe for entrusting him with leadership of Nyakisoroza Archdeaconry and pledged to serve faithfully alongside Christians in advancing the ministry of the Church.
During the same event, Mr. Mutahemuka Moses pledged to give internal mahogany wooden doors, frames and fittings for Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano and to fully cover all installation costs.
